New Orleans, Louisiana – The New Orleans Police Department is currently investigating a tragic mass shooting that occurred outside a nightclub in the Warehouse District on Sunday night. The incident resulted in the death of one woman and the injury of 11 other individuals just before midnight. The victim, identified as 24-year-old Jezreel Poleate, lost her life during the shooting. Among the injured were six women and five men, according to information provided by the police.
The shooting took place in the 800 block of South Peters Street, outside the nightclub known as Republic NOLA. Inside the club, an event named Church on Sundaze was underway at the time of the incident, as per an Instagram story shared on the Church on Sundaze page. A witness who was present inside the club during the shooting described a chaotic scene, with panic and chaos ensuing when the shots rang out.
This tragic event comes only a week after another shooting incident where a security guard was shot and killed outside Wit’s Inn bar. Following this recent incident, Councilman Joe Giarrusso and Council President Helena Moreno called upon the NOPD to consider using the padlock ordinance, which could result in the revocation of the bar’s liquor license and potentially shutting down the business. The owner of Wit’s Inn spoke exclusively with media outlet WDSU, emphasizing that his bar had not experienced any previous incidents and that the suspect involved in the shooting was not a patron.
In response to the mass shooting, Councilwoman Lesli Harris expressed her office’s involvement in coordinating a thorough investigation into the Republic NOLA incident. She extended her deepest condolences to the families of the victims affected by this tragic event. Additionally, Council President Helena Moreno voiced her concerns about potential increases in similar situations due to upcoming changes in gun laws, calling for bipartisan support for common-sense regulations to address firearm enforcement.
Authorities from the city’s Permits and Licensing Department confirmed past violations at Republic NOLA, including late renewals in 2019 and COVID violations in 2022. However, no recent complaints have been registered against the establishment. As investigations continue, community leaders and officials are working to ensure swift justice for the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.
Governor Jeff Landry and Congressman Troy Carter also conveyed their sympathies for the victims and their families, denouncing the violence and emphasizing the urgent need for gun reform measures and violence reduction programs in the community. Police have encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward by contacting CrimeStoppers at 504-822-1111. The community remains united in seeking justice and working towards a safer future for all residents.